Obama expected to talk rail in Tampa

Saturday

Jan 23, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Congresswoman says president is likely to announce funding for major project

By ZAC ANDERSON

President Barack Obama, in a visit to Tampa next week, is expected to announce federal funding for one of the biggest transportation projects in state history: up to $2.6 billion for a high-speed rail system linking Tampa Bay to Orlando.

The rail project would create thousands of jobs and, proponents say, transform Florida's economy, making the state a more attractive location for major companies. The train route will also reduce traffic on Florida's highways.

The White House has not revealed the time, location or exact purpose of Thursday's visit, but U.S Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said in a statement Friday that a rail announcement is "likely" and she plans to attend the event.

If approved, the Tampa-to-Orlando project could be the first truly high-speed rail system in the Western Hemisphere, supporters say.

It would anchor a broader mass transportation network that eventually could extend rail south as far as the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

"It's a game-changer," said rail advocate Ed Turanchick with the group ConnectUs. "High speed rail takes a competitive state and makes it an international contender."

The so-called "bullet train" would travel 85 miles between downtown Tampa and the Orlando airport at speeds of 120 mph along the Interstate 4 corridor.

The total cost of the first phase is projected at $3.5 billion, including more than $500 million worth of state land already acquired for the I-4 corridor. Trains could begin running by 2014, with five stops including Lakeland and Disney World. A private contractor would be found to run the system.

Planning also would begin on a second phase connecting Orlando to Miami at a cost of $8 billion, not including land acquisition, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Florida leaders have debated and studied high-speed rail for more than a decade.

Voters approved a bullet train plan by popular referendum, but former Gov. Jeb Bush criticized the cost and helped get the project repealed.